“Do the best you can, from where you are, with what you have, now.” ~African-American proverb
When I first started on my spiritual path, I desperately wanted to live in a more connected and satisfying way. I had a secret longing to know who I truly was and to finally reach my creative potential—not only as a writer, but also as a person. My intention was to express mastery through spirituality.
At the time, this made perfect sense. Spirituality, for me, was connecting to the creative part of myself—that invisible, powerful place where anything is possible.
A place where dreams are forged and destinies are realized. A place of poetic genius and inspiration. A place where masters live and breathe.
But back then, I didn’t understand that when we embark on this journey, we tend to use what we know—which is almost always ego-based. And the ego can’t get us to where we need to go.
This is because ego has way too much baggage. It weighs us down with things like fear, doubt, self-criticism, and anger. And yet, so many of us try the ego-based route first, as I did.
I egotistically believed that mastery was about pounding on my craft, practicing it with unrelenting determination and will. I made it more about me. It became an intellectual exercise.
I thought it was something that could be forced, conquered even. My motivation was all about achieving the goal—period!
It didn’t take me long to encounter the inevitable setbacks, shortcomings, and failures that come with this kind of thinking. And when I failed to express the master inside of me, I was extremely hard on myself.
The whole thing made me feel inadequate. The more I tried to force the master out, the less I felt like one. To make matters worse, all my teachers were still going on about “expressing mastery” and how easy it was.
It was about then that I stepped back and took a hard look at what mastery really meant to me—to my aspirations and to my life. I realized that this ego-based perspective had been creating limiting beliefs and habits that kept me stuck.
I feared my uncertain future and began to doubt my abilities. I allowed regret for past mistakes to overwhelm me and to crush my sense of self-worth. I even envied others for the rapid strides they seemed to be enjoying.
This ego-driven, high-octane way wasn’t the answer, at least, not for me.
So I decided to look at mastery in a different way—a healthier way.
Granted, I’m still not always successful, but I believe I have a better approach to it nowadays.
I’ve come to believe that mastery shouldn’t be about “being the best” or “knowing everything” or “flawlessness”—quite the opposite, in fact. Mastery is about the process of becoming, not the act of having become.
When mastery becomes ego-driven (as it did for me), we set ourselves up for failure. No only because the ego weighs us down, but because it always tries to win.
But, when your purpose is to live your best life, there is no winning or losing. No goal, no endgame.
There is only you being your best—at that moment, whatever that means to you.
This was immensely liberating. Imagine living your life from where you happen to be right now. To never again beat yourself up for not attaining some imagined goal suggested by somebody else.
I now understand that my spiritual development can’t be measured by my achievements, or lack thereof. The only yardstick is my own level of awareness and how I feel.
My new spiritual perspective and outlook on mastery has transformed me. It means that I can better appreciate who and what I am right now—which is a beautiful, ongoing process of discovery and growth.
Paradoxically, the less I measure, the more I end up growing, as a person and as a writer.
My goals have become more internalized, less tangible. They are also smaller, but no less important. They are about staying mindful and aware, without applying any judgments or criticisms to what is happening.
In this way, I’ve stopped trying to express mastery. Instead I work towards being a master of who I am in this instant—knowing that I am, right now, a perfect expression of me.
If you are feeling blocked or stuck, consider the possibility that your ego and your desire to master your life could be the very thing that is preventing you from getting to where you wish to be.
Instead of trying to force your dreams with an iron will and steadfast determination, try a gentler touch. Stay fully present and aware. Simply give this moment your very best.
Don’t worry about what you think you should be doing and where you should be going. Just be in the process of being you—right here, right now.
And ironically, by not seeking mastery, mastery will find you.
Reaching man image via Shutterstock
About Troy Roache
Since 2008 Troy has studied the works of our greatest teachers such as Christ, Buddha, Lao-tzu and Epictetus to apply their timeless wisdom into modern-day application. He blogs about creativity, personal development and happiness at his website troyproache.com. Troy resides on the south shore of Nova Scotia with his wife and daughter where he writes, studies and speaks.
Though I run this site, it is not mine. It's ours. It's not about me. It's about us. Your stories and your wisdom are just as meaningful as mine. 
Thank you so much. I really needed to read this. I was feeling so bad about what I was supposed to be that I forgot who I really am in this moment.
I like it. Very “the journey is more important than the destination” style of mentality. I think it’s often forgotten as we seemed predisposed to “look forward” to things. A very healthy outlook.
Mastering to me is being the best I can be. It’s an ongoing process. Love the points you brought up (:
Thank you Troy, I loved the article. For me too, being the best I can be is accepting all my parts, growing, learning, loving, being mindful. Life is good, cherish each moment. Peace, Harmony and Happiness to all!
Jacy, I’m glad you found value in the piece. You are right, acceptance is a huge key to happiness. Accepting that everything you are (in this moment) whatever that happens to be is the ultimate truth. If we could all remember that, I think many of our problems would fade away.
Thanks for sharing a comment. It is so important to remember that being the best has nothing to do with being better than somebody else, or winning, or even being better than you were yesterday, for that matter. It’s about being the moment, without any regrets of the past or fear of the future. That way you can never lose. You stay in a constant state of mastery.
There is a reason why the phrase “It’s about the journey, not the destination” is a cliche–because there is truth in this statement. You are right, this is a very healthy way to live, we just have to stay present and aware.
You are welcome Didi. I’m happy this reminder came to you when you needed it. It is so easy to feel bad or guilty about what we are “not doing” or “supposed to be doing”. So much so, that we forget the most important thing–that which we are doing–right now.
Thank you so much for writing this. It gave me so much clarity. I have needed to recognize the things you shared for so long now and feel so much better about where I’m at/going. Peace to you as well 🙂
I’m glad it helped. It was a life-changing outlook for me. Present moment thinking is so profoundly helpful and simple. The trick is to stay present, aware, and to step back and breathe–just breathe. Take care of the present and the future will take care of itself.
Thank you Troy Roache for pointing out a direct route to sanity, reality, and spiritual growth.
You are very welcome Archie. We tend to make spiritual processes more complicated than they need to be, when (as you say) there is a more direct route. Awareness and staying present is the key—always. When in doubt the one, best thing we can do is to take a breath.
This is a great article. Striving to be your best is just striving. Its not actually being your best in this very moment. Thanks for giving me insight Troy. I really appreciate that top of the mind awareness/reminder that is necessary for Living in the Moment.
‘If you are feeling blocked or stuck, consider the possibility that your ego and your desire to master your life could be the very thing preventing you from getting to where you wish to be.’ This line was incredibly eye-opening for me – thanks for the great article! 😀
It’s ironic isn’t it? Our need to be number one, our attachment to our goals is the hidden block. I’m so happy you saw that connection!
Thanks Mitzi. The present moment is all we really have. Understanding this, really understanding it, can bring your entire life into focus. Thanks for adding to the discussion.
You made some really interesting and thought-provoking points. Lots of food for thought, and I like that! Thanks!
You are most welcome. Glad you liked the piece.
Thank you very much.It has taken me so long to understand,under the teachings of great masters,dead and alive,that the mastery is here,where we are.You put for me the last elemet to my puzzle,how fond the way…and now I am a Master.Small or big,does’t matter.And I changed my all life for more satisfactory.And maybe,someday,I will improve much more…
You are welcome Maryla. You are right, it does take a long time to understand these wonderful teachings—but the good news is that it only takes a moment to “know” them. One moment of clarity and we can move from understanding to knowing. And when we know something, it moves inside of us, and becomes a part of us. Knowing (really knowing) that the power to be your own master exists within is the greatest gift you can give yourself.
” When your purpose is to live your best life, there is no winning or losing. No goal, no endgame. ” If we were to adopt this perspective the world would be a better place. Thank you.
Agreed.
Great article Troy, a great reminder to be in the present and enjoy it. Thanks for the great read!
No problem. I’m glad you enjoyed it and found it useful.
Your words are inspiring! Thank you for opening my mind to be able to see things differently. Live in the now, not in the past!! Cheers!!!
Great thought-provoking read! Seeing things differently is so key. Looking forward to more.
Thanks Kelly. Wayne Dyer often says: “When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” Thanks for commenting.
Well said Cindy! “Live in the Now”. That’s the ticket to happiness and mastery.
Troy – excellent post with so much truth in it I could relate to!!
Loved this line: Mastery is about the process of becoming, not the act of having become.
A good reminder that it’s about the journey, not the destination that we need to focus on. If we focus on each moment and live each one to it’s fullest, it will naturally only transform and invigorate our entire life.
In a world of top ten lists and who’s earning what and the best places to live, things to do, this post and perspective is a welcome change. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks Vishnu! I like that line, too. And I think we tend to complicate our lives so unnecessarily. It’s all about the moments. You are so right. If we can just take care of the moments, the rest of our lives will work themselves out—naturally. As Buddha said: “The jug fills drop by drop.”
Thank you thank you thank you. The only ego driven issue that keeps me questioning and fighting the desires to “figure it all out” is the very real tangible of time. I always feel like I should known what my heart desires. everyone says listen to my heart. i sit silent, i meditate, i reach outside my comfort zones and yet i havent figured it out yet. As my heart sits quietly and patiently my ego starts reminding me of time.. its about time you figured it out already, ive wasted so much time already or by the time I figure it out it will be too late. Thank you for the reminder of living present and having faith that each present moment will take however long it takes to get me to the place where my heart has spoken to me.
D, thanks for making these points and sharing your experience. The illusion of Time is one of Ego’s greatest tricks. It can make us feel guilty and lazy and ultimately erodes our sense of self-worth. “Am I doing enough?” “I don’t have time to relax!” “I have to work on my goals, my spirituality, and my mastery.” “I have to pound on my craft—force it into existence.” But all of these viewpoints are counterproductive. When a “time-based fear” is presenting itself, I always see it as an indicator that I’m out of alignment with the present moment. When we are aligned, that anxious feeling can’t exist. But when you do feel it, use it as a helpful signal that it’s time to pull back into the present moment. All it takes is to step back and focus on your next breath. Your breath will always guide you back to the present. In the present moment there is no anxiety, because that is our link to source. I have a similar piece on my website about how this fear (this anxiousness) might not be such a bad thing. Check it out if you get a chance. Thanks again.
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Very inspiring. Compelling concept that is easy to grasp with potentially profound results.
Thanks DB. I glad you found the info compelling. And you are right, approaching your life from a present-moment perspective can be life-changing. The trick is remembering to do it on a regular basis. Thanks for adding to the discussion.
Awesome article! Thank you 🙂
You’re welcome. Thanks for commenting.
Thanks for the great article Troy. As always, your words hit home. Great reminder to live in the now…not the past, not the future…now!! I have to remember to “just breathe”.
Thanks Shelly. Sometimes remembering to practice these things is the hardest part.
Great article, looking forward to your next one!
Thanks for commenting. I’m happy you liked it.
Oh Troy, this is SO inspired!!!!!! I can’t tell you how much I can relate to that feeling of “when I become …” or “when I have been able to …” – I have lived most of my life waiting for my “real life” to begin when I have achieved whatever it is I think I need to achieve at that moment. Have you ever heard the expression “This is not a dress rehearsal” – this is what immediately came to mind while reading this article. LOVE it!!!!!!
Thank you. I’m so glad that this article is connecting with people on such a deep spiritual level. It is humbling to say the least. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts.
This post has so much truth to it. What a great insight. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for commenting. I’m glad you found it useful.